‘Hansel and Gretel’ opens Saturday at Steamer 10

Ric Chesser has turned dozens of fairy tales into plays that have entertained thousands of kids across the Capital Region. In his latest project, Chesser, the executive director of Steamer No. 10 Theatre, takes on “Hansel and Gretel,” a tale of a cannibalistic witch who lures children into her house, which is made of cakes and candies.

In Chesser’s version, Hansel and Gretel are abandoned in the woods by their parents. The kids, who are hungry, find the witch’s house and have to think fast to outwit the witch and save their lives.

The play, a Kids Fare production, stars local kids and teen-agers ages 8 to 16. The show opens this week; it runs weekends through January.